Ally McCoist admits that wounded Rangers have lost fear factor

RANGERS manager Ally McCoist admits his team have currently lost the fear factor which both Old Firm clubs have traditionally enjoyed even before kick-off against the rest of their domestic opposition.

The sense of vulnerability surrounding the Ibrox club, both on and off the pitch, means even their assignment against bottom-of-the-table Dunfermline at East End Park today appears fraught with danger in the wake of last week’s 2-0 Scottish Cup capitulation at home to Dundee United.

“Absolutely, I think that’s the case,” agreed McCoist.

“Dundee United started the game very well, pressed us and looked comfortable on the ball.

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“But, then again, I can’t really look to other teams. Obviously you watch their games and look at their tactics, but it’s more about what we do, how we approach it and how we take the game to the opposition.

“I take the point on board [about teams not being fearful of Rangers] and United were a very good example of that last week. But in my eyes, it’s more about what we do.

“I still feel we certainly have good enough players to go and win games. That’s what we aim to do.”

McCoist was at East End Park on Tuesday night to watch Dunfermline’s 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock and is duly wary of the potential threat Jim McIntyre’s side could pose as they attempt to avoid an immediate return to the First Division.

“I know Jim well and there is nothing worse than an animal who is fighting for survival,” added McCoist. “Having been at their game in midweek, that’s exactly what Jim’s team were like.

“It was interesting to hear the comments of the vast majority of people after the game, the managers and some of the pundits, in being surprised Dunfermline have yet to win at home this season.

“Dunfermline had two fantastic chances to win the game, through Andy Kirk and Liam Buchanan.

“I can’t argue with the view Kilmarnock were probably the better team on the night. But at the same time, Dunfermline certainly had chances to win the game.”

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Jordan McMillan, released by McCoist at the end of the January transfer window, made his debut for Dunfermline on Tuesday and the 23-year-old defender will be keen to impress against the club for whom he managed just five first team appearances.

“I think Jordan was a little bit unlucky at Rangers,” observed McCoist.

“He had one or two injuries which kept him out at times. He came in a few times this season and I thought he did very well, especially at Motherwell and in one or two friendlies.

“He was at the club for eight years and we just thought it was maybe time for him to go and get a regular game somewhere.

“Having spoken to Jordan at length, he just wanted to go and get playing. Hopefully, he will get the opportunity to do that. He played well on Tuesday night, as did Kyle Hutton.”

Midfielder Hutton, on loan at Dunfermline for the rest of the season, cannot play against his parent club this lunchtime.

McCoist says he has no concerns about the morale among his squad following last week’s Scottish Cup exit, insisting they have responded well during a week which saw them go on a ten pin bowling bonding session.

“I wouldn’t say we felt it was necessary,” said McCoist.

“We had it planned for a wee while, just to let the boys go away together in another environment. It was to do something different and have a laugh, try and relax them a little bit.

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“It was on Tuesday and I was with them for a while before I left to watch the Dunfermline game at night. They certainly looked as though they enjoyed it.

“If training since then is anything to go by, then there looks to have been a benefit because they have been in good form.”